Two champions ready for final run for Shenandoah Track and Field
Shenandoah seniors Titus Steng (left) and Cole Graham (right) are ready for a big finish to their state championship careers this spring.
The Shenandoah boys track and field team has a pair of seniors with state championship experience leading the team this season.
Titus Steng was a three-time state wheelchair champion last season and is seeking four more state titles this year. He opened his season Tuesday, March 31, in Creston with times not far off where he was at the state meet last year.
Cole Graham, who was a part of multiple state championship relays in 2023 and 2024 started his outdoor season in Creston, setting a personal record of 22.51 seconds in the 200-meter dash, an event that he was a state qualifier in last season.
“That just boosts my confidence,” Graham said on his early season PR, “and shows me that the training and hard work I put in is paying off. Hopefully, it will give me confidence going forward and the rest of the season to keep building on that. I’m getting closer to the school record and am striving for that.”
The 200-meter school record Graham is chasing is 22.31, set by David Linkletter in 1988.
Graham is part of a small senior class, which along with Steng, also includes Tyler Babe, Matthew Moutray and Owen Nokes, that is leading a team that looks to have the talent to put another big season together.
“I have the most experience of anybody,” Graham said of his team, “and so I like to think of myself as another coach that can help out with handoffs, blocks or anything like that. I have been with some of the best at that and I feel it’s a huge advantage to the team, so I try to help out the best I can.”
Steng opened his season Tuesday, competing in the 100, 200, 400 and 800-meter events. He won the state title last season in the 100, 200 and 400, and was second in the 800. He said the conditions Tuesday made it a challenging opening meet, but meeting a challenge is something that motivates Steng.
“I have learned that some challenges help you to thrive more,” Steng said. “My times weren’t what they were at state but it’s only the first meet. I keep looking forward and keeping my optimism up to make sure I can stay confident and motivate my teammates.”
Steng said technique and seating position are two things he’s been working on to improve going into this, his senior season.
Looking ahead, Steng said the goal is a clean sweep in the wheelchair races at the state meet next month and he said with that, he has a message to spread.
“I want to be able to use my gift, that I know is God-given,” Steng said, “and make sure I can spread that message and motivate people in the same way that there is nothing more fulfilling than the power of love that Christ has for you.”
While Steng’s goals are state championships and more going forward, Graham has his sights set on finishing his storied track and field career, which includes three relay state titles, back on the Blue Oval.
“Making it back to state in four events would be awesome,” Graham said. “The 400 is going to be a big event for me again this year and that’s what I’m training for, to go sub-50. We’ll see how that turns out and hopefully the 200 can remain a big event for me, it’s been a big event all throughout high school for me.”
The Mustangs travel to Red Oak Tuesday and Clarinda Thursday before hosting a co-ed meet Thursday, April 16.
